Mohammed Kudus, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, and Jordan Ayew have all been named in Ghana's squad as the Black Stars prepare for a critical TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying double-header against Somalia.

Ghana find themselves at the foot of Group C without a single point after defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two qualifiers. The two matches against Somalia — on 12 and 16 November — represent a must-win moment for the side.

Kudus and Kyereh boost the Black Stars

Kudus' inclusion is a significant lift for caretaker coach Kim Lars Björkegren. The Tottenham Hotspur forward missed all of Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after an injury ruled him out of the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, making these qualifiers his first appearances for his country in 2026.

Kyereh's return is even more remarkable. The VfL Osnabrück midfielder last represented Ghana in December 2022, meaning he has been absent from international football for almost four years following a serious injury. His recall marks a significant milestone in his recovery.

Jordan Ayew, who missed the previous two qualifiers due to a groin problem, also returns to offer his experience and leadership in attack. Defender Alidu Seidu is another familiar face recalled to the squad, as is Brighton & Hove Albion forward Ibrahim Osman.

Local talent rewarded

Björkegren has also turned to the Ghana Premier League, drafting in three domestically based players on the back of strong performances. Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko earns a defensive option, while Medeama SC pair Etse Dogli and Emmanuel Annor have been selected in midfield and attack respectively.

FC Samartex defender Isaac Afful is also part of the 26-man group, and Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare retains his place between the posts.

Established overseas names including Thomas Partey, Caleb Yirenkyi, Gideon Mensah, Jonas Adjetey, Salisu Mohammed, and Prince Adu Kwabena remain in the squad, ensuring a blend of experience and fresh options.

A narrow path back into the race

Ghana opened camp in Accra on Sunday, 8 November. The Black Stars will host Somalia at the Sekondi Sports Stadium on Thursday, 12 November at 15:00 GMT, before the two sides meet again on Monday, 16 November at 15:00 GMT.

With Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia both recording perfect starts in Group C, Ghana's route back into qualifying contention runs entirely through these two fixtures against Somalia.

Ghana squad against Somalia

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak, Ghana), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen, Switzerland), Joseph Anang (St Patrick's Athletic, Ireland).

Defenders: Gideon Mensah (FC Köln, Germany), Isaac Afful (FC Samartex 1996, Ghana), Alidu Seidu (OGC Nice, France), Jerome Opoku (İstanbul Başakşehir, Türkiye), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg, Germany), Kojo Peprah Oppong (Fenerbahçe, Türkiye), Salisu Mohammed (AS Monaco, France), Musa Hamzata (Asante Kotoko, Ghana).

Midfielders: Caleb Yirenkyi (Coventry City, England), Etse Dogli (Medeama SC, Ghana), Thomas Partey (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Rahim Ibrahim (Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia), Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (VfL Osnabrück, Germany), Augustine Boakye (St. Étienne, France), Ibrahim Sulemana (Sassuolo, Italy).

Forwards: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Ipswich Town, England), Emmanuel Annor (Medeama SC, Ghana), Ibrahim Osman (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Prince Adu Kwabena (FC Viktoria Plzeň, Czech Republic), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City, England), Felix Afena-Gyan (Iğdır FK, Türkiye), Jordan Ayew (Sheffield United, England).